Further to today’s post concerning Arthur Burton and the excellent research supplied by Roger ‘@ziksby’ Jones, David has kindly supplied a scan from Arthur’s transcribed diary where he describes his remarkable experience on the front line. Cheeers to David and Roger for their excellent work – I’ll transcribe this later so it’s searchable.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again; with the invaluable contribution of readers like these top chaps, we’re nailing local history. This is why I blog.
From the transcribed diary of Arthur Burton MM, kindly supplied by David Evans. Click for a legible version.
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Hi Bob
many thanks for putting this memo in your blog. The entry for June 26th says;-
“We are given the privelage of swimming in a large pool in front of Chateau. a great many of us take it. This is the first swim I have had in France. A shell dropped over water when there was a lot in tonight but noone hurt they run with there togs in there hands.”
This was at Elverdinghe, just north of Ypres and west of the canal..the front line at the time. Readers may like to “Google Earth” this.
The names “John” or “Old John” refer to the Germans!
The chateau is on the south side of the village.
kind regards
David Evans
Hi Bob
I have sent you a 1917 photo of the chateau to you by e-mail if you know how to put this on to this page please..
regards
David Evans
jgjg
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